Madonsela to investigate allegations relating to murder and power abuse by Police Commissioner

The Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela has confirmed that her office is investigating a Democratic Alliance (DA) complaint against the Acting National Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. It is alleged that he was part of a group within the police which had killed an innocent man and then obstructed justice by failing to cooperate in the murder investigation.

A letter from the Public Protector indicates that "after a careful assessment of the complaint, I have determined that there is a prima facie case of improper conduct and abuse of power, which warrants an investigation" (see below).

It is clear that the authority and credibility of the Acting National Police Commissioner have been severely compromised. We believe that, given the gravity of the allegations against him, he should be suspended without delay. 

I have today written to President Jacob Zuma informing him of the Public Protector's intention to investigate and requesting the immediate suspension of Mr Mkhwanazi.

It seems that our government is incapable of appointing National Police Commissioners - Acting or otherwise - who are not tainted by serious allegations of criminality. The President must now use this opportunity to clean up the top brass of the South African Police Service.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, April 25 2012

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